Transcript Inquiry: Exploring energy conservation

INQUIRY: EXPLORING ENERGY
CONSERVATION
EQ: What is energy, and how can it be conserved?
SUMMARY
 In this inquiry, you will investigate the Law of Conservation of Energy.
 This inquiry is an open, hands-on learning activity
 You will be demonstrating how to maximize the conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy.
 You will be provided with:
 A Matchbox/Hot Wheels car
 A ruler
 Necessary materials as needed (and available!)
 You will need to supply:
 Notebook paper
 Background info
 You may request additional materials needed to carry out your tests
 As a group, you will develop and carry out the inquiry using the steps of the Scientific Method to achieve
the goal of finding the maximum conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy
STEP ONE: PROBLEM
(WRITE THIS STATEMENT WORD FOR WORD ON YOUR PAPER)
PROBLEM: How can one
maximize the conversion of
potential energy to kinetic
energy?
STEP 2: RESEARCH
 Use:
 Graphic Organizers
 The Anchor Notes
 Technology
 The car and ruler
 Research and build your background on
which factors will enable your group to
maximize the conversion of potential
energy to kinetic energy (10 minutes)
STEP 3: HYPOTHESIS
 Identify 3 independent variables
 Dependent variable: maximum
kinetic energy
 As a group, develop a TESTABLE
hypothesis written in the if, then form
STEP 4: EXPERIMENT
 List out the materials you will be
using
 Write specific and detailed
instructions on how you plan to
exploit the Law of Conservation of
Energy to change potential energy
into kinetic energy
STEP 5: COLLECT DATA
 Design data tables for each
independent variable (you should
have a total of 6 tables)
 Carry out your procedures and collect
data
 Make a bar graph to show your results
of each tested independent variable
STEP 6: CONCLUSION
 Write a concluding paragraph
 Summarize how the results support or refute the original hypothesis
 Summarize the data and highlight significant data, differences, and/or trends
 Include key facts from the background research to help explain the results as
needed
 If appropriate, state the relationship between the independent and dependent
variable
 Suggest changes in the experimental procedure (or design)
 and/or possibilities for further study